Extech introduces new portable thermal printers: S4000T and S4500THS

Extech Data Systems, the portable printer division of Extech Instruments, announces the introduction of their new S4000T and S4500THS battery operated portable thermal printers. The new printers enhance the recently introduced 2" and 3 portable printer products and allow Extech to enter the 4 print width market for the first time.

The printers use a brand new 32-bit Arm 7 micro-controller from ST Micro. This is a flash based, highly integrated CPU that contains firmware, resident fonts, rotated fonts, downloadable fonts, graphics, logos and bar codes. It also incorporates both FLASH and SRAM memory and provides for improved performance. The firmware is totally re-written and the print mechanism is a new clamshell design from SEIKO that has a rated print speed of 3 inches per second.

The new printers use a new version of the Lithium Ion battery delivering 2.2 amps of power for more receipts per charge. The printer incorporates a totally new housing developed from the IEC 68 certified mechanical design used in the 2 and 3 printers. The S4500THS includes additional elastomer over-molding for robust environments, while the S4000T is designed mainly for desk-top and in-vehicle applications. The S4000T weighs as little as 25 ounces.

The printer includes 1.2MB of SRAM and 2MB of Flash memory. A new high speed communication system allows for serial, IrDA, Bluetooth and 802.11b communication at 115K. Other options include a 3 track magnetic card reader and/or smart card reader. In-field programming is possible using a high speed connector located below the battery. The 4 printers offer serial and IrDA communications as standard in addition to Bluetooth or 802.11b as integrated options.

Tony Revis, General Manager, in announcing the new printers noted, According to Venture Development Corporation, the 4 segment is the largest segment for the Mobile Printer Market representing 32%, slightly more than the 2 and 3 segments. We are the major player in the 3 segment, and have recently introduced new printers designed to increase our market share in the 2 segment. We now enter the 4 segment for the first time and are excited by the design and functionality of these two new printers. We believe they will contribute significantly to our overall market share.

The list price for the S4500THS basic model, including battery and wall mounted charging adapter, is only $895.00 (this price includes either shoulder strap or belt loop). The S4000T-DT version starts at $750.00. A full twelve month warranty is included for both printers.

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